Quick Takes with Pictures

May 11, 2012 By 4 Comments

— 1 —

You know what makes me happy? This conversation from Facebook and the subsequent picture I have in my head because of it.

Anyone know where I can find a statue of Mary on a HORSE? Huh? I think I need one.

Well, come to think of it, I probably need two. My four-year-old is sure to claim one to play with. (You know, like she did with the Holy Family.)

— 2 —

If you’re reading this in a feed reader, I’ll spare you the necessary click-through and just show you how the window view at the top of my blog has changed, thanks to Dorian and her amazingness.

— 3 —

In case you have an interest in my latest obsessions, it has involved dirt, flowers, and mulch, transforming my front view to this:

— 4 —

That streak of motivation also led to this:

— 5 —

In other news, I just confirmed, this week, that I’ll be in Dallas at the end of August. For this:

and this:

I’m a weeeeeeee bit excited, especially as I’m going to be stuck like glue to her:

(and a few other people too, but Julie and I have a special plan, mwahaha)

— 6 —

This week, my phone (which is not “smart,” and that’s part of the reason I love it so), has been spending a lot of time in rice:

It had an unfortunate meeting with some coffee and then, as I was watering my hanging baskets, I leaned over to water some of the planted stuff and forgot all about the Truth of Watering Hanging Baskets: They will drip on you if you are under them.

To this I say: I’m glad I have rice in the house!

— 7 —

And here’s something pretty I just wanted to share, and which the artist, Michelle Paine, gave me permission to share (it’s copyrighted):

Used with permission; copyright Michelle Arnold Paine

She shares about her painting of this “transciption” of Fra Angelico’s original and the story behind it on her blog. She’s doing a whole series on the Annunciation and I’m moved by them.

It reminds me of how I used to love going to the Museum of Art in Toledo with my mother, and how she would stand beneath the panel of Monet’s Water Lilies and just gaze. I never understood that stopping and looking, that pausing to savor, that slowing down.

But maybe I do, just a bit, now.

Michelle Paine is doing some amazing work. Her figurative paintings on Mary just make my heart beat harder and tears well up in my eyes…and I have no ability to explain why.

Quick Takes can be found this week at Betty Beguiles. Please pray for Jen from Conversion Diary.

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Shameless Pictures of Me with the Cool Kids

March 21, 2012 By 4 Comments

I’m not good at getting pictures when I go to events. A few weeks ago, though, when I was at the Behold Conference, I made sure to get some shots.

Here we have the awesome Elizabeth Duffy and Mrs. Darwin, who let me tag along with them. It was great road trippin’ fun, I tell ya!

Kate Wicker and her cutie patootie, Thomas

Danielle Bean was as lovely as ever. And her shoes? Incomparable (and terrifyingly high).

Lisa Schmidt and baby Jude. Lisa gained my respect as someone who can appreciate coffee.

Arwen Mosher (sans twins, who were with her!) and Hallie Lord, who, as you can see, have an effect on me…

Jen Fulwiler, who really is as tall as she says she is (and twice as hilarious)

The conference was good, inspirational, and all of that. How could it not be? They had incredible speakers and the team put in a tremendous effort on every aspect of things.

The real highlight for me, though, was the one-on-one time I had with these and some other ladies over the course of the day-and-a-half I spent there.

It comes back to why face-time is so important for all of us, why we show up at these events in the end.

It’s not for the speakers. It’s not even for the bag of goodies.

It’s for the people. Period.

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On the Way to Behold Quick Takes

March 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment

— 1 —

As you read this, I’m probably on my way over to the Behold Conference.

Not to brag, mind you, but I am a LOT excited.

I’m going to be spending a LOT of time with Elizabeth Duffy and Mrs. Darwin. I also plan to harass pursue follow around like a puppy dog see Danielle Bean, Jennifer Fulwiler, Hallie Lord, Arwen Mosher, Kate Wicker, and many, many more of my favorite online friends.

Hoo boy!

— 2 —

In the latest Catholic Foodie, Jeff’s talking fishy Fridays, and I’m sharing a Mary in the Kitchen that reflects on just why Lenten failures are good for me, every single year.

On the newest iPadre, Fr. Jay Finelli is awesome, as usual, and I’m on with a Mary Moment that’s B16-inspired.

— 3 —

Got a new iPod, iPad, or iPhone? I share my 13 Essential Catholic Apps in this week’s Tech Talk at CatholicMom.com.

Got a few minutes to talk New Evangelization with me? Over at New Evangelizers, I’m talking about how we’re all in this together.

— 4 —

You’ve probably long suspected there’s something “not quite right” about someone who names the voices in her head. But did you know I have multiple personalities online too? I talk about my dilemma over at the Catholic Writers Guild blog this week. If you have ideas for how I can reconcile myself…well, I’m all ears/eyes.

— 5 —

“Would you review my new book, Getting #Married: Using Social Media to Celebrate the Sacred?”

I was too curious to say no when the request came into my inbox.

For one thing, I think very highly of Meredith Gould, who is an author, a blogger, and one of my favorite people to follow on Twitter.

For another, when you put both “social media” and “sacred” in the subtitle, it makes for irresistibility as far as I’m concerned.

Read my review over at CatholicMom.com.

— 6 —

I’ve been tempted to start posting links to our priest’s homilies here on my blog. He’s such a talented homilist–he can say more in seven minutes than I can say in a half-hour. Last weekend, his homily inspired a whole column idea for me, among other things. (I need to listen to it a third time to get all my notes down so I can bug him with my uber-nerdy theology questions.)

— 7 —

This is a classic case of saving the best for last, don’t you think?

Visit Conversion Diary for more Quick Takes!

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Quick Takes – Linky Dinky Do Version

February 10, 2012 By 7 Comments

— 1 —

Under the “too cool not to share” heading: Ellen Gable is giving away Kindle copies of Emily’s Hope from today through Sunday, February 12. If you’re looking for a good novel, give it a try. You can read it virtually anywhere–there are Kindle apps for every device and even a way to read using the Amazon Cloud Reader.

A bit about it:

Emily’s Hope is the fictionalized, parallel true stories of Ellen and her great-grandmother. Damon Owens said: “Compelling…a real page turner.” Lisa Hendey said: “…great storytelling that teaches some important messages, but they are wrapped in a plot that will pull you in and leave you wanting more.”

So what are you waiting for? Free books = good February.

— 2 —

Speaking of free books…have you entered my contest yet?

— 3 —

My audio reflections on Mary this week:

— 4 —

Over at CatholicMom.com this week, I’m considering how I can better understand art using a great app and I also share about some Lenten devotionals that have crossed my desk in the last few weeks.

— 5 —

I first discovered the Catholic Writers Guild during their first online conference a few years ago. (You should sign up to participate!)

I participated in that conference on a whim and because of the price (free). It was mostly a lark, but I have to look back with some amusement. I ended up helping with some behind-the-scenes things and then joining the Guild. I learned a lot about writing and, even better, made some connections with real people.

I didn’t even consider myself a writer then, though I had been blogging for a while (and blogging is writing) and I was dabbling in a few other writerly things.

That conference shifted my perspective of myself and, between their other conferences I’ve attended over the years and my involvement with the Guild, I’ve found a great network of resources and people who share my faith and my craft.

Beyond all that, it’s fun. It’s a change of pace. It’s educational.

And you can’t argue with the price: it’s FREE!

This year, it’s two weeks, March 17-31, with one week dedicated to forums and one week dedicated to chats. I’m going to be helping out again as a presenter and probably as a chat moderator, and I’d love to see you there!

— 6 —

If you’re interested in being in other places, the Catholic Writers Guild blog is looking for either regular or one-time guest posts from members. (You do have to be a member of the CWG to write for the blog.) If you’re interested, check out the blog guidelines and get involved!

I was over at the CWG blog this week with a post talking about being a Small Fry Blogger.

I was in a couple of other places too.

Ginny Moyer, the hostess over at Random Acts of Momness, invited me to share the greatest gift my mother gave me, and the Patheos Book Club ran my review of Christopher West’s new book.

And then, over at Amazing Catechists, I share my experience with the seven deadly sins and a room full of fifth graders.

— 7 —

You know what I’m looking forward to this Lent? Hearing the special Among Women podcast that Pat Gohn is putting together.

Could you spare a few minutes to share your favorite and most meaningful Lenten practices? Pat’s collecting them at amongwomenpodcast@me.com or 206-203-2024 until February 20.

I’ve done my part…now, you do yours and we’ll have a wonderful little Lenten gift.

Visit our lovely guest hostess Betty Beguiles for more Quick Takes!

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Quick Takes: Writing and Writing and Writing

January 27, 2012 By 5 Comments

— 1 —

This week, I have stepped beyond. I have walked in dangerous areas. I have said yes and opened myself up to a whole new world of opportunity.

I am “babysitting” CatholicMom.com while Lisa Hendey traverses the Holy Lands with her perky, happy, lovely self.

Folks, I’m having so much fun! Who knew?

— 2 —

Are you a writer? Interested in writing? Looking for a way to spend two weeks in March?

DO NOT MISS THIS!

The Catholic Writers Conference Online is March 17-31. We’ve extended the dates thanks to feedback from attendees who say there’s too much to balance in one week.

From March 17-24, the forums will be open so that you can read, do assignments and get feedback from our fantastic presenters at your own leisure. (Forums are open 24 hours a day, and presenters will be visiting them frequently.) The forums will remain up, but presenters do not need to reply to posts after March 24.

From March 24-31, we will have only chats. These are scheduled one-hour moderated chats on a variety of topics. We will also be holding pitch sessions and prayer time this week.

We’re signing up presenters as we speak. If you are a presenter and would like to participate, please register athttp://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SXJVLJW.

If you have already attended an online conference, then you are registered–you just need to use last year’s username and password. If not, you can register now where it says REGISTER on this site.

DO NOT MISS THIS! (Did I say that already? Do you believe me yet?)

Yours truly is presenting on blogging again (unless they tell me I’m not), and I’d love to “see” you there.

— 3 —

Now, a word or two about Facebook and Twitter and how they’re useful for promoting your blog. What do you think?

— 4 —

And how about an app that will let you access all sorts of great Catholic programming without cable? Yes, you read that right. Isn’t it cool?!?

— 5 —

Last week, I shared my favorite fiction from 2011. This week, I’m sharing my favorite nonfiction from 2011. Be sure to stop over and share YOUR favorites!

— 6 —

This week, I’ve been embroiled with editing my pregnancy book.

Let me sum up the week: I’m glad it’s done.

— 7 —

And with that, I’m outta takes. Just. Plain. Out.

Hope you have yourself a great Friday.

Visit Conversion Diary for more Quick Takes!

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Quick Takes, New Year Style

January 6, 2012 By 3 Comments

 

— 1 —

Good news! I’m going to be attending the Behold Conference in East Peoria, IL, on March 10! It’s quite a line-up going on over there: Kate Wicker‘s the keynote speaker and Jennifer Fulwiler, Hallie Lord, and a host of other people I stalk follow enthusiastically will be in attendance.

I’d love to meet you if you’re going–let me know! You can register at their site and if you’re in my neighborhood, let me know and we’ll carpool. :)

— 2 —

I haven’t set any resolutions for 2012, though I’m reminded that Lent is coming at the end of February. That’s always a good time to resolve and succeed (or fail, as the case may be), so I think I’ll play copycat to Danielle and wait.

One thing I did do, though, as I have for quite a few years, is select a patron for 2012. Thanks to the Saints Name Generator, I was given…St. Matthias the Apostle.

He’s the patron of alcoholics (current and reformed), carpenters, and tailors. His feast is May 14.

And what’s his tie to me this year? I’m not completely sure, but I’ll be incorporating him into my conversations this year.

— 3 —

Speaking of Lent…my newest book is out and available!

Welcome Risen Jesus: Lent and Easter Reflections for Families has one page for each day of Lent and the first week of Easter. Every day features sections for Think, Act, Fast, and Pray, designed to help your family work together to embrace the spirit of Lent to lead you to the joy of Easter.

Find it from your local Catholic retailer, your favorite Catholic online retailer (Aquinas & More and the Catholic Company are two of my favorites, though they don’t have it available just yet), Liguori, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon.

— 4 —

And, while we’re on the topic of writing, exciting news: Welcome Baby Jesus and Welcome Risen Jesus are being released in Spanish!

Pardon me for being a wee bit excited.

And very, very humbled.

— 5 —

Have you seen ImmaculataArt.com? Here’s a little sample of a piece I really love:

I first “met” the artist, Nellie Edwards, a few years ago through some work we both did over at Catholic Exchange.

You can purchase prints on canvas or on paper and there are also greeting cards available.

— 6 —

I’m a big fan of good fiction, and that makes me a huge fan of the Catholic Writers Guild‘s Catholic Arts & Letters Award. This is the second year for awarding it, and I’m looking forward to it.

If you’re interested in applying, do check it out — you only have until January 31! Update: You have until February 29 to apply (thanks to Ellen Gable Hrkach for correcting me).

— 7 —

The other day, I was reading about no-poo, which is basically using baking soda and apple cider vinegar in place of commercial shampoo. I found myself, in the midst of my reading, forwarding it to a friend (who will laugh when she reads this) and suggesting that I might try it.

My husband thinks I’m a little crazy.

In the category of not-so-crazy, I am barely restraining myself from buying My Family Table: A Passionate Plea for Home Cooking, by John Besh. After hearing all about it on Catholic Foodie episode 126 and thinking about the clips he played, I’m thisclose to breaking my standing “no buying books” resolution to buy it. Because, after all, it’s a cookbook. Which is different than a novel or a nonfiction book. Right?

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The Baby Made His Rounds

August 10, 2011 By 6 Comments

At the Catholic Writers Conference and Catholic Marketing Network trade show last week, the baby made his rounds. I’ll post more pictures later this week at the Catholic Writers Guild blog.

 He was quite a fan of Karina Fabian (and I don’t blame him):

Jerry Webster was a source of ongoing amusement for him, which is attributable in part to the Grandpa Magic that Jerry has:

Ellen Gable Hrkach had a chance to see his “squishy face” in action:

Lisa Mladinich and her daughter (who I have blog-named “Rose”) were favorites through the week, and we were so blessed to room with them:

Lisa Hendey is a big fan of babies, and, as it turns out, so is Jen Minson (right), who made a special trip to have coffee with us (and she brought her two girls, who were utterly delightful):

John Michael Talbot refused to disturb the sleeping baby. His wife, pictured right, loves babies, so I didn’t have to twist hard to have them pose for a picture. (Yes, it was shameless of me. But…isn’t this a great picture? They were really that reflective about it.)

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